OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The city of Gainesville is bringing back a holiday parade for the first time in decades and while there is a slight chance of rain anticipated during the time of the parade, don’t let that deter you from enjoying the return of a time-honored holiday tradition.

The National Weather Service (NWS) forecast calls for a slight chance of showers between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. The parade kicks off at noon and is expected to be over by 2 p.m. The parade is followed by other holiday activities including a dance party and holiday lights.

DETAILS: Gainesville holiday parade returns this Saturday after decades, kicks off day of family festivities

The city hopes you’ll pack the rain jacket, poncho, umbrella and a chair and head to downtown Gainesville to celebrate the holiday season.

Here are just some of the holiday activities around the 352 this weekend:

Christmas Tree Lighting Festival – Crystal River – Friday, 5 p.m.

Christmas in Space Parade – Lady Lake – Saturday, 10 a.m.

Festival at Fort King – Ocala – Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Christmas Parade – Williston – Saturday, 6 p.m.

Crystal River Christmas Parade – Crystal River – Saturday, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Christmas Light Spectacular – Ocala – Now through December 30, weekend hours 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Discover more things to do in north-central Florida by browsing the 352today events page.

Gainesville Forecast

Here’s your day-by-day outlook from the National Weather Service.

Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Saturday: A slight chance of showers between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Patchy fog before 8 a.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 81. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Saturday Night: A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. South wind around 7 mph.

Sunday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 8 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. South wind 7 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Sunday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8pm. Cloudy, with a low around 63. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

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